US Air Force B-52H Stratofortresses have been conducting a series of high-intensity exercises across Europe, integrating with NATO partners in multiple training missions, from Finland to Turkey, and now Italy, according to US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA).
On 7th March 2025, two B-52 bombers from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at RAF Fairford, England, flew alongside Italian Eurofighter Typhoons in SPARTAN MACE, a Bomber Task Force (BTF) 25-2 mission aimed at strengthening close-air support and interoperability with Italian ground forces.
Simulated Strikes Over Italy’s Sardinian Military Range
During the mission, the B-52s entered an Italian military training range near Sardinia, escorted by Italian Air Force Typhoons, where they conducted simulated live bomb drops under the direction of Italian Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs).
This exercise reinforced US-Italian coordination between air and ground forces, refining precision strike capabilities in complex training environments.
B-52s on a European Tour of Firepower
SPARTAN MACE is the latest in a series of B-52-led exercises across Europe, demonstrating the strategic bomber’s versatility and NATO’s operational readiness.
Over the past several weeks, B-52s have been involved in:
- FORTRESS HAIL over the Baltic Sea and Finland – Targeting drills with NATO F-35s and Finnish F/A-18 Hornets.
- Turkish-led air exercises – Joint air defence and strategic strike operations.
- Multiple close-air support missions across Europe – Enhancing coordination with ground forces from NATO allies.
SPARTAN MACE marks the tenth major integration of B-52 bombers with allied air and ground units during Bomber Task Force 25-2.
With the B-52s continuing operations across the continent, these missions underscore America’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence strategy. Each exercise enhances interoperability, ensuring that US and allied forces remain ready to respond to any emerging threats in Europe.
With missions spanning from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean, the B-52s have reaffirmed their role as a strategic force multiplier, demonstrating the global reach of US airpower.
It’s hard to see Europe replicating or adding a fraction of that type of capability. The ability to attack an opponent in different vectors and it’s outposts and naval assets anywhere on the planet.
Would they actually do it though?
Would Trump actually order their mission if the brown and smelly hit the fan?
Don’t think Europe is interested in starting wars anywhere on the planet, defending Europe from those that do is rightfully its priority.
Defending against Russia , the current favourite war opponent, also means hitting their long range bomber bases, Murmansk and Baltic naval bases, air defences and weapons plants deep into Russia , it also needs to stop Russian forces from bases in Africa or elsewhere interdicting the shipping that Europe depends on .if Europe had to fight them alone it certainly needs ability to have a global reach.
Alternative might be found with transport aircraft
Should we really be giving the US practice runs on hitting Europes prime targets?
Yes, definately. I think they should use the B-52’s to carpet bomb Moscow. That would get Putin’s attention and do more to get Russia to the negotiating table than cutting off all American support to Ukraine
What’s the point when Trump has no intention of being there.
Example is the betrayal of Ukraine.
Only yesterday Emporer Trump the first said he has finding Ukraine harder to deal with. He is considering sanctions on Russia after they have increased attacks.
It didn’t take much to stop military support for Ukraine and that caused this.
He is a puppet of Russia who is trying to become a dictator (succeeding) in my opinion.
America has become a right wing oligarchy (dictatorship) like the communist oligarchy in Russia. He already indicated that elections will likewise become as pointless as russian elections.
Look how he treats Canada, who he threatens to annex. The free world need to re build and not capitulate to America the way he is forcing Ukraine to capitulate.
Behold the rise of the iron and miry clay empire rising.
What a load of bollocks 🤣
Approximately 30 minutes after the commencement of serious hostility between RU and the US, virtually everything will be pointless, at least in the Northern Hemisphere.
Not sure what the yanks are training for here given they are now best buddies with Mad Vlad!